near to the broken-hearted

We were sitting in the tent of a family that had been through a lot. Almost to the day four years ago their village was disrupted by the evil of a group of militants that claimed to establish what is right. Men and boys were rounded up to be executed. Women and girls were taken to gratify the militants’ lust and perversity... I wish my words were an exaggeration, but I cannot count anymore how many different people have told me the exact same story.

Those who lived to share the stories were able to escape to the mountain. For 10 days they were trapped. Water and food was scarce with thousands of men, women and children fighting for their lives. After another militant group created a passage, they were able to escape the mountain and settle in camps. Four years later, they still live in the same tents. Almost forgotten by everyone. They have lost friends and family. Those who are left band together for support, yet the trauma and loss is written in their faces.

As we sat and listened, our hearts were moved with compassion. But there was more. There was hope. How can a story like this result in hope? One of us spoke up first: “I am reminded of a verse from the Bible that says that God is near to the broken-hearted.” As soon as he had said this several of us responded in amazement. “I thought of the exact same scripture!” The Holy Spirit was reminding all of us: God is near. He is Emanuel, God with us. He has not forgotten these people and He wants to heal their broken hearts. The gravity of the trauma is too heavy for them alone. But Jesus has taken that burden on Himself and He wants them to know. We shared the hope that was stirring up in our hearts and prayed a blessing over the family. After dinner we left, knowing that God was in control and He would take care of them. And hopefully we will be able to see them again and hear that story of redemption firsthand.